R4G

Respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Press Release 28th November 2006 Sunderland Issue Update Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!! The UK Sikh Community has made contact with Sunderland Sikh Association in regards to them organising an Anand Karaj where the saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was taken to a Reception Hall. This was broadcasted on 14th October 2006 on Sky Digital Channel RAJ TV. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at reception hall The General Secretary Manjeet S Cheema admitted that Sunderland Sikh Association organised the Anand Karaj and Granthi Narayan Singh was a representative from the Gurdwara. The committee has no remorse for its actions or the hurt they have cause to the Sikh Community. Furthermore this Gurdwara has an adjoining Community Centre where parties and receptions are held allowing meat, alcohol and tobacco into the Gurdwara complex. This is a prime example of the State of our Gurdwaras, where Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Gurdwara properties are seen as mere objects that can generate money and allow egoistical and corrupt members of the Sikh Community to assign upon them selves titles like Pardhan (head of a Sikh Gurdwara). The UK Sikh Community is urged to contact the committee of Sunderland Sikh Association to highlight concerns about taking the saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to reception halls and allowing meat, alcohol and tobacco into the Gurdwara Complex. Please remember that you are representing the Khalsa Panth when discussing these issues with Sunderland Sikh Association committee, refrain from confrontational or bad language: Sunderland Sikh Association The Cloisters Sunderland County Durham SR2 7ED Tel: 0191 5672939 Working together the UK Sikh Community will uphold Sikh Rehit Maryada and respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Gurfateh!! Wedding attendees sitting on chairs in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Campaign 3rd November 2006 Sikhs must uphold the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Prakash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!! Sikhs around the world are commemorating the manifestation in human form of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh Religion. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji came into Kaljug (Age of Darkness) to preach the divine message of the Shabad (Sikh Religious Hymn revered as the word of Waheguru): Saach sabadh bin mukath n koe. Without the True Word of the Shabad, no one finds liberation. (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, ang 938, Ramkali, First Guru) Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the greatest blessing for Sikhs. Under the guidance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Sikhs become one with Waheguru (omnipresent God) and obtain spiritual liberation. In the Shabad, Sri Sidh Gosht Sahib (a religious discussion between Hindu Yogis and Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji), Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is asked to explain who is his Guru? Guruji replies: Shabad guru surt dhun chela. My Guru is the shabad and enshrining this into my heart through meditation I have become the disciple. (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Sri Sidh Gosht Sahib, ang 938, Ramkali, First Guru) Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji reveres Gurbani as the word of Waheguru and asked Sikhs to do the same. As Sikhs of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji we must worship Gurbani as our Great Guru instructs: Jaisee mai aavai khasam kee banee taisrhaa karee gi-aan vay laalo. As the Word of the Forgiving Lord comes to me, so do I express it, O Lalo. (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, ang 722,Tilang, First Guru) Surath sabadh bhav saagar thareeai naanak naam vakhaanae. With one's consciousness focused on the Word of the Shabad, one crosses over the terrifying world-ocean. O Nanak, chant the Naam, the Name of the Lord. (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, ang 938, Ramkali, First Guru) Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji protects their Sikhs from Kaljug. However, some so-called Sikhs decide to repay this boon by abusing and manipulating the saroop (embodiment) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by organising an Anand Karaj (Sikh Religious Wedding) in premises completely against the GurMaryada (Sikh Religious Code of Conduct) set by our Gurus. If we proclaim to be Sikhs of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji then respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji must be our prime objective. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji declares to the Sikhs: “All Sikhs are ordered to accept the Granth as their Guru. Consider the Guru Granth as representing the Guru's body” Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji formed the holy congregation at Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib with emphasis on religious instructions and strict discipline. Divine measures (Kirtan) were sung in the morning as well as in the evening. Regular religious instructions were imparted by Guruji. In Guru Ka Langar (communal free kitchen) all people, the Brahman or the Sudra, the king or the commoner, the Muslim or the Hindu, had to sit in the same row and eat the same food. No where around Kartarpur Sahib was there any wedding reception or party hall where alcohol, meat and tobacco could be consumed or served. Those Gurdwara Committees in the UK who feel it is acceptable to run such establishments alongside or within Gurdwaras or from Gurdwara funds are in direct conflict with Sikh Rehit Maryada. This is not the GurMaryada Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji teaches. May Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji bless the worldwide Sikh Community in working together to uphold Sikh Rehit Maryada and respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. GurFateh!!

Respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Campaign 31st October 2006 Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!! Official Website & Blog With the blessings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the official website for the Campaign has been updated: www.Respect4Guruji.co.uk A blog has also been set up to improve communication and keep the Sikh Community in touch with current issues, programmes and religious thought. www.Respect4Guruji.blogspot.com Working together, the UK Sikh Community will uphold Sikh Rehit Maryada and maintain respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. GurFateh!!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!! It has been confirmed that this wedding was organised by Sunderland Sikh Association, The Cloisters, Sunderland, County Durham. SR2 7ED. Tel: 0191 5672939 The Granthi has been identified as Narayan Singh, resident priest at Sunderland Sikh Association. Previously he performed granthi seva in Manchester Gurdwaras. Buta Singh Sangha is the general secretary of the Association. Granthi Narayan Singh of Sunderland Sikh Association The UK Sikh Community is currently in discussion with the Sunderland Sikh Association about this beadbi to saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. All Gurdwaras Committees are responsible for maintaing respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at all times. Committeess are not in place to bend the rules or please families. Rehit Maryada must always be upheld. GurFateh!!

Respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Campaign 18th October 2006 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji taken to Reception Hall, wedding video broadcasted on Shaadi Show Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!! On Saturday 14th October 2006, the Shaadi Show on Sky Digital Channel (187) RAJ TV broadcasted an Anand Karaj that took place in a reception hall. The saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was brought from a local Gurdwara. Immediately after the Anand Karaj the couple performed a Hindu Wedding Ceremony within the same complex. By viewing such videos it becomes more and more transparent that families are reliant on advice from Gurdwara Committees and Granthis. Gurdwara Committees and Granthis choose to misadvise families for their personal gain. As per Sri Akal Takht Sahib Hukamnama and Sandesh, Anand Karaj must always be performed at Gurdwaras. The attendees at the Anand Karaj were sitting on chairs in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Granthis who performed kirtan at the reception hall Granthi who performed prays from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Attendees sitting on chairs in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at reception hall If you recognise the Granthis in the pictures and the Gurdwara they represent then please ring 07944 445651 or email sikhalerts@yahoo.co.uk Gurfateh!!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!! Bhai Harvinder Singh, Bhai Tajinder Singh & Bhai Satvir Singh were exemplary Khalsa Youth practicing Sikhi to their very last breath. The Three Panth Rattans will forever remain an inspiration to generations of UK Sikhs. The Khalsa Panth is a brother/sisterhood under the guidance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. These youth remained in Chardi Kala and kept Gurbani at the forefront of their Amritdhari lives. Their passing away is the greatest example of how Sikhs must live their lives. The Three Panth Rattans felt the bond between each other because their Guru was the same. They lived by the ideals enshrined within the Khalsa Panth. Their sacrifice for each other will remind the UK Sikh Community that we are all one. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the bond of the UK Sikh Community. Once the UK Sikh Community realises this, beadbi towards Guruji will stop forthwith. The Three Panth Rattans passed their test in Gursikhi. Guruji has blessed them with a life and a death that other Sikhs can only dream of. Dhan Guru Dhan Guru Pyare. Gurfateh!!

VaheguruJiKaKhalsa VaheguruJiKiFateh! Sikhs from around the UK gathered yesterday at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham to prevent the beadbi of Guru Ji's Pavitar Saroop and Sikh Maryada. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji's Saroop was planned to be taken to the Banqueting Suite by a corrupt Ragi Jatha to perform a "Sikh" wedding ceremony. With Guru Ji's kripa the situation was resolved and the wedding ceremony took place at Baba Budha Ji Gurdwara Sahib in Nottingham. We will be releasing a full press release regarding this and the Blackpool issue later this week. Dhan Guru Dhan Guru Pyaray! GurFateh!

VaheguruJiKaKhalsa VaheguruJiKiFateh! The Chief Inspector of Blackpool has confirmed that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji's Saroop will not be taken to the Norbreck Castle Hotel Queens, Blackpool today. The Anand Karaj has been moved to a Gurudwara Sahib in Preston known as the Guru Nanak Recreational Centre. Dhan Guru Dhan Guru Pyaray! GurFateh!

Respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Campaign UK Sikh Representatives meet with Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!! Representatives of the UK Sikh Community met with Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti on 27th July 2006 in Birmingham to discuss the continuing abuse to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji & Sikh Principles. Singh Sahib explained the importance of the Sandesh issued in April 2006. This was issued after representatives from UK travelled to Amritsar, Punjab and presented evidence about recent issues of exploitation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji & Sikh Principles. Singh Sahib was shocked to view the video clip of Sikh Temple Chapeltown, Leeds and the open use of alcohol, meat & tobacco within the Gurdwara Premises. He re-iterated that buildings, bought or constructed, that have any kind of affiliation with a Gurdwara or the Sikh Religion, must solely to be used for Gurmat purposes and the betterment of society. He has promised to raise this issue on his return and swiftly release a directive for all Gurdwaras to adhere with. Singh Sahib has confirmed that Sikh Temple Chapeltown is acting against Sri Akal Takht Sahib and that the committee must immediately revert back to Sikh Rehit Maryada and the Gurdwara Act. Representatives of the UK Sikh Community will relay this message back to the Committee of Sikh Temple Chapeltown. The recent issue at Watford was highlighted to Singh Sahib and he praised all those involved in stopping this abuse to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Singh Sahib fully supported the stance taken by the UK Sikh Community not to allow Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to be taken into a community centre where meat, alcohol & tobacco are consumed. He also expressed shock when he saw how Guruji was brought in a suitcase to the centre. The UK Sikh representatives also highlighted the issue that saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji are being sold at books stores, music shops and clothing stores in Middlesex and Midlands. Singh Sahib agreed that the source of this beadbi in the UK has to be addressed and that shops must stop selling saroops. He will support any controls that need to be implemented to stop the sale of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in the UK. Furthermore the representatives discussed Gurdwaras like Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara, Forest Gate, London, where, last year, over 40 saroops where neglected by the Gurdwara Committee. Singh Sahib acknowledged the abundance of saroops with the UK. Birad (elderly) saroops must be respected as per Sikh Rehit Maryada and Gurdwaras cannot hide from this responsibility. Singh Sahib will be issued with a list of offenders who were involved in taking Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to hotels, clubs and banqueting suites. He has promised to act on this evidence and support to implement the 1998 Hukamnama and the 2006 Sandesh in the UK. Singh Sahib was supportive to the hard work of the UK Sikh Community and praised their efforts. He has promised his full support in current and future issues. His sermon to Sikhs worldwide was to maintain honour for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the statue of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. GurFateh!!

VaheguruJiKaKhalsaVaheguruJiKiFateh! Below is a picture of the head of the committee, Rashpal Atwal (Centre) responsible for the Beadbi in Watford. Below is a picture of Narinder Shina (an ex-mayor of Watford), another member of the renegade committee

The culprits responsible for bring Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in a suitcase Maharaj's Saroop being taken back to Gurdwara Sahib in Watford.

Pictures from the Protest. Sangat surround the car, that was parked opposite the Community Centre, in which Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was placed in a metal suitcase on the front seat. All the Sangat sat around the car reciting Naam Simran and extremely hurt by this disrespect. The elderly "Sikh" with no shoes is part of the corrupt committee. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji enclosed within the case. Two more cuprits who transported Guruji in such an insulting manner were not able to come out of the car. Emotions of the protesting Sangat were running high after seeing such abuse to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Members of the corrupt committee, still adament to take Guruji into the hall to commit further offence to the sentiments of the protesting Sangat. Pictures taken during the Ardas before Guruji was respectfully taken to Watford Gurdwara.

Respect For Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Campaign Press Release 16th July 2006, Watford, Hertfordshire. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!! Over a period of 2 months members of the British Sikh Community have been in discussion with the a group of so-called “Sikh” individuals from Watford who hold monthly diwans (Sikh religious gathering) at the Multi Racial Community Centre Hall in Watford. After numerous meetings with the Community Centre, Hertfordshire Police & Commission for Racial Equality (Hertfordshire), a small faction of this group of individuals were still adamant to proceed with taking Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikh Holy Religious Scriptures revered as the embodiment of God) to the Community Centre. As per the Hukumnama (Order) of Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Sikh Seat of Sovereignty in Punjab, India) Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji cannot be taken to environments where alcohol, meat and tobacco are served and consumed. These individuals refused to work towards having the diwan at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Watford (local Sikh Temple) for the reasons that they wanted to run the Sikh Gurdwara in Watford but were not voted in as Committee members. On 31 July 2006 over 80 Sikhs from around the United Kingdom gathered to peacefully protest at the Multi-Racial Community Centre, Watford and prevent the Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from being taken into the complex. After offering prayers at the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Watford, the Sangat (Sikh Congregation) proceeded towards the Multi-Racial Community Centre. The Sangat continued attempts to persuade the faction of the “Sikh” individuals at MRCC committee to adhere to Sikh Rehit Maryada (Sikh Code of Conduct) and re-arrange the diwan to the local Gurdwara. Unknowingly to the Sikh Congregation who had gathered to peacefully protest, the Saroop (embodiment) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was in a metal suitcase placed on the front seat of a car that was parked on the road opposite the Community Centre. This was deeply offensive, deceitful and extremely distressing not to mention one of the most disrespectful acts that could be carried out in the Sikh faith, as Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is never transported in a suitcase as a mere “object” of the Sikh Religion. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the eternal Guru of the Sikhs. Once the gathered Sikh congregation became aware of this extremely hurtful and upsetting act, the shocked congregation sat around the car reciting prayers for over an hour. In that time the culprits who had carried out one of the most insulting acts in the Sikh religion could not come out of the car. Present at this protest was Hertfordshire Police and representatives of Commission of Racial Equality (Hertfordshire). They all gave in to the conviction of the gathered Sikh congregation and agreed to their demand that five Sikhs will take the Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to Watford Gurdwara and the diwan will not take place in the MMRC. Sri Guru Granth Sahib was respectfully removed from the suitcase and re-clothed. Prayers were performed and the Sikh Congregation asked for forgiveness for any wrongdoing. The Saroop was respectfully taken to the Sachkhand (resting place for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji) of Watford Gurdwara. Further resolve was achieved when the “Sikh” individuals at MRCC committee verbally promised, in the presence of the Police & CRE representatives that this diwan, and therefore any other insulting act that would offend Sikhs, will never take place again in Watford. Also a young member representing this committee attended Watford Gurdwara after the incident and apologised for their behaviour and re-iterated that the diwan will never take place again. However, the resolve by Police & CRE intermediaries included a written statement promised from the individuals that diwan will not take place. The individuals must produce this documentation to give confidence that any disrespect towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and offence to the British Sikh community will not happen again. The British Sikh Community will not allow individuals to exploit the Sikh Religion as a means of settling personal conflicts. Once again, the British Sikh Community has shown their love for their father Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The elders and youth who were present on the protest conducted themselves as true Khalsa and upheld the ideals of the Sikh Religion. With Guruji’s blessings the British Sikh Community continues to uphold respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. GurFateh!!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!! After numerous meetings with the MRCC, Hertfordshire Police & Commission for Racial Equality (Hertfordshire), the group of renegade individuals are adamant to proceed with taking Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to the Community Centre for a diwan on 16th July 2006. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji cannot be taken to environments where alcohol, meat ad tobacco are served and consumed. These individuals refuse to work towards having the diwan at Watford Gurdwara for the blatant reason they the want to be on the Gurdwara Committee in roles such as President and General Secretary. Sikh Sangat will be gathering at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Watford on Sunday 16th July 2006 for 10.30am prompt. After seeking blessings from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sangat will proceed to the Multi-Racial Community Centre to peacefully protest against this abuse to Guruji and Sikh Principles. Your attendance is very important as it will show that Sikhs will not let people exploit Guruji for personal conflicts. Please remember that all of us will be representing the Khalsa Panth and the ideals of our Religion. Together as Sangat we must seek blessing from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji that we will be able to work effectively in resolving such saddening situations. Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha - 48 Kings Close, Watford, Hertfordshire. WD1 8UB. The Mutli-Racial Community Centre - 70 Durban Road West, Watford. WD18 7DS. Gurfateh!!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!!! Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji will be taken to the Mutli-Racial Community Centre in Watford on Sunday 16th July 2006 for a Diwan (Sikh Religious Programme) organised by renegade individuals. Over the last 2 months members of the UK Sikh Community have been in discussion with the Sikh Sangat of MRCC committe who hold monthly diwans in a Community Centre Hall in Watford. These talks have been successful to the point where the majority of this Committee have agreed that the local Watford Gurdwara is where Diwans must be held and it is a sacrilegious to take Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to this Centre where meat and alcohol is served and consumed. A faction of the Sikh Sangat at MRCC committee is adamant that the diwans will carry on in the hall. They refuse to work towards having the diwan at Watford Gurdwara for the blatant reason they the want to be on the Gurdwara Committee in roles such as President and General Secretary. As per Sikh Rehit Maryada, It is blasphemous to take Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to premises where meat and alcohol is served and consumed. In addition, these few individuals wish to manipulate Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the local Watford Sangat out of pride and personal ambitions. These renegade individuals must be stopped from abusing Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji for personal gain. We humbly request the Worldwide Sikh Sangat to contact: The Centre Manager The Mutli-Racial Community Centre 70 Durban Road West Watford Hertfordshire WD18 7DS Telephone: 01923 220136 (office hours 9am to 1pm GMT – 24hr Answerphone) Email: mrcc70@hotmail.com Inform them that Sikh Sangat at MRCC committee will no longer hold diwans at MRCC, however a few individuals, who have broken away from this committee, are not willing to accept this decision. They will be acting against the wishes of the wider Sikh Community of Watford if they bring Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to MRCC this Sunday. Please remember you are representing the Khalsa Panth and refrain from bad language or confrontation discussion. Our aim is to inform the Multi-Cultural Community Centre that they must not support these few renegades, who do not have backing from the wider Sikh Community of UK. With the blessings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikh Sangat will work together to resolve this situation. Gurfateh!!